#3 Sherlock Jr. 1924

Sherlock Jr.
Released: 1924
IMDB Rating (At the moment): 8,4/10 #231

Directed by: Buster Keaton
Written by: Jean Havez, Joseph Mitchell and Clyde Bruckman
Starring: Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Joe Keaton

This is truly a peculiar story. It is about a film projectionist who in the meantime study to become a detective. And a case comes up just when he tries to propose to his love interest. But the film is more about a dream Sherlock Jr has about him being a detective and saving the day.

The camera techniques used in this film is truly stunning. At least for being quite old. There is scenes that take place inside a film screen and the actor falls into different settings. It is really amusing. I particularly like the way they have used the set design and put every place into its own function.

There are two scenes that blew me away. One is where Sherlock Jr is stalking the thief, and he is really close. The choreography is both amusing and brilliant. The second scene is where the main character is trapped on a motor cycle and is speeding through different settings. It is true stunt!

I absolutely adored this film. It is cool, because it is a meta film. And I had no idea they existed in the 20s! It is smart, creative and in the mean time very silly. The typical comedy stereotypes exist in this film, for example the classic "tripping on the banana peel"-joke. But it is all good because this is a masterpiece that deserves to be in the top 250.

I'm getting back to this with stunts, Buster Keaton made all stunts himself and actually in this film he severely hurt himself in the neck when falling down a tube connected to a water basin. The injury caused terrible migraine which Keaton had to live with for the rest of his life.

And when you watch be sure to laugh at the last scene, it is so corny and cute at the same time. Watch this film! (Available on YouTube.)

#2The Kid 1921

The Kid
Released: 1921
IMDB Rating (at the moment): 8,3/10 #167

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Jackie Coogan

The film is about a boy left at birth by his mother who simply can't care for him. After some time he ends up with a tramp who raises him. But you see, his mother becomes a famous star and starts to do charity. And guess who she meets...

The storyline is basic, but yet so genius. I can see every modern feel good comedy trying to be as innovative as Chaplin, but this is the original people. Sure it is quite goofy with a lot of slapstick humour and cheap shots. But it is entertaining and cleaver, because it was made in the early 20s. I can see the reason why this film is considered one of the greatest, because it is simply so easy to watch, but yet so brilliant.

It is difficult to review such an old film. But I can tell you a few things that caught my attention. Firstly the acting is way over the top, but then again this is a silent film, better to be very clear with your message. And secondly the make up they are wearing is quite interesting. It is very highlighted, and thirdly the actors sometimes adress the camera, which would be very rare in modern film. But this is simply a masterpiece, I can say no more.

And what makes it even better is the music. Originally composed by Chaplin himself. The score is actually inspired by Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony.

The film is available without charge on YouTube (make sure to get one with the original music score), due to the copyright rules being withdrawn because it is simply that old.

Make sure to look for the fighting scene and the special effects in the dream scene. It is simply wonderful.